The Contrast of Egg and Fish - Serpent and Scorpion

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Seventeenth Week :  Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:1-13*

*First Reading : Gn 18:20-32*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8*

*Second Reading : Col 2:12-14*

*The Contrast of Egg and Fish - Serpent and Scorpion*

*1) Fish, Egg, Serpent and Scorpion*

Jesus uses contrast and symbolism to teach about God’s goodness in answering prayer:

Fish and Egg represent nourishment, life, and good gifts.

Serpent and Scorpion represent harm, deceit, and destruction, often associated with evil.

This passage reassures us that:

God gives what is truly good, not harmful or deceitful.

God knows our real needs, not just our wants.

The Holy Spirit is the greatest gift—the source of truth, guidance, peace, and strength.

*2) Asked for Fish but received Scorpion*

This is a deep spiritual struggle many face.

When prayers seem unanswered or result in suffering

We ask God for a job, health, peace — and instead we face rejection, illness, or conflict.

It may feel like we asked for a fish and received a scorpion.

*But God sees differently.*

What seems like a scorpion may turn out to be a path to deeper transformation, humility, or grace.

Paul prayed three times to be freed from his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor 12:7-10). God said, *“My grace is sufficient for you.”*

He asked for relief (fish), and received endurance and grace (not a scorpion, but something greater).

*3) Fish, Scorpion and the Modern Materialistic World*

In today’s world—driven by consumerism, greed, and superficial desires—this teaching  challenges us in several ways:

People often pursue material things thinking they will satisfy:

Fish becomes money, fame, power.

But sometimes, what they get is a serpent—addiction, anxiety, emptiness.

In a materialistic culture, even parents and leaders may unknowingly give “scorpions”:

Overindulgence

Pressure to succeed without ethics

Replacing love with gadgets

Like God, give what nourishes the soul—time, truth, love, and virtue—not just material things.

*4) Beware of the serpent in disguise*

Many things today look attractive (wealth, status, popularity) but carry hidden dangers.

The serpent today whispers through:

*Consumerism* “Buy this and you’ll be happy.”

*Ego* : “Be better than others.”

*Compromise:* “Everyone does it, it’s normal.”

What seems like “wisdom” is often a clever lie that separates us from God.

*5) The Scorpion — Hidden Poison*

Scorpions have a sting that is concealed until it strikes. They represent harm hidden under the surface.

Today, many things appear harmless or beneficial but cause spiritual damage:

Addictive entertainment (pornography, violent media).

Toxic relationships disguised as love.

Workaholism that pretends to be ambition.

Overuse of social media that breeds anxiety and comparison.

*“Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”* — 2 Corinthians 11:14

What glitters may not be gold—it may be a scorpion in disguise.

*6) Materialism as a Beautiful Serpent*

The world says: “Own more, earn more, show more.”

But Jesus says:

“What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?” — Mark 8:36

Materialism often disguises itself as “security” or “progress,” but it can choke the soul (Luke 8:14 — the thorns that choke the Word).

Not every *“egg”* is safe. Be rooted in prayer, Scripture, and community.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*